Summary
A 24-year-old dual citizen of the United States and Iran was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence), Guideline C (Foreign Preference), and Guideline E (Personal Conduct). The applicant was born in Iran, became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2008, and holds dual citizenship. She renewed her Iranian passport in 2014, which expires in 2019, and previously held an Iranian passport from 2007 to 2012. After moving to the U.S. in 2007, she used her Iranian passport for travel to Iran in September 2009, July 2011, and September 2011.
The Statement of Reasons cited her family members residing in Iran and her dual citizenship, including the use and renewal of her Iranian passport. Additionally, the government alleged she deliberately failed to disclose Iranian family members and friends on her September 9, 2014, SF 86 application.
The judge found that the applicant did not mitigate the security concerns related to foreign influence and foreign preference, specifically her dual citizenship, possession of an Iranian passport, and family ties in Iran. While concerns under personal conduct regarding the failure to disclose foreign contacts were mitigated, the unmitigated issues under Guidelines B and C resulted in the denial of her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant's dual citizenship and possession of an Iranian passport raised significant security concerns under Guideline C.
- The applicant maintained family ties in Iran, which created a heightened risk of foreign influence under Guideline B.
- The applicant failed to disclose foreign contacts on her security clearance application, raising issues of personal conduct under Guideline E.
Conditions Referenced
- C1raisedForeign Preference
- B1raisedForeign Influence
- E2raisedPersonal Conduct
- C1rejectedForeign PreferenceThe applicant's willingness to renounce her Iranian citizenship was not sufficient to mitigate the concerns.
- B1rejectedForeign InfluenceThe applicant's ongoing family ties in Iran did not demonstrate a lack of risk for foreign influence.
- E2appliedPersonal ConductThe applicant mitigated concerns related to personal conduct by demonstrating no intent to mislead.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 30, 2015
- Answer filedNov 25, 2015
- Hearing heldApr 7, 2016
- Decision dateJul 27, 2016
Cite For
- Security Concerns Related to Dual Citizenship Under Guideline C
- Impact of Foreign Family Ties on Security Clearance Under Guideline B
- Failure to Disclose Foreign Contacts as a Personal Conduct Issue Under Guideline E